News

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Continues Annual Tradition

PALM SPRINGS, CA (September 30, 2024) The San Jacinto Mountains will soon be covered in snow, which means it’s time for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Annual Snow Guessing Contest to begin! This event runs from October 1 until the first measurable inch of snow falls at the Tramway’s Mountain Station, elevation 8,516 feet.

The first ten entries received with the correct date of snowfall will win four regular Tram admission tickets, plus a special Tram gift memento. In the event there are more than ten correct entries, winners will be chosen by the earliest postmark date.

To submit an entry, write down your best-guess date on a postcard and mail it to: Snow Guessing Contest, 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262. Only one date per postcard will be accepted. For more information and rules, please visit https://pstramway.com/snow-guessing-2024.

The top of the Tramway will soon be covered in snow, making a snow day a short 10-minute tramcar ride away from the desert floor. There’s never been a year when someone didn’t win the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Annual Snow Guessing Contest.

PALM SPRINGS, CA (September 26, 2024) Due to maintenance delays, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s reopening date has been rescheduled from Monday, October 7 to tentatively Saturday, October 12.

According to Vice President of Tramway Systems Chris Bartsch, “Due to a one-day weather delay and projects taking longer than anticipated, we had to make the unfortunate decision to delay our reopening by five days.”

Adds Bartsch, “While we regret the inconvenience this may cause our guests, our number one goal is always the safe and reliable operation of the tram.”

37^th Edition of Scenic 6K Run/Walk

PALM SPRINGS, CA (October 9, 2024) The 37th annual Palm Springs Aerial Tram Road Challenge will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, with a start time of 7:00 a.m. (walkers start at 6:30 a.m.). This 6K run/walk begins at the bottom of Tram Way and ends at the Tram’s Valley Station, an elevation increase of over 1,900 feet in just 3.7 miles. Registration is open now until race day.

Special finishers’ medals will be presented to all participants along with a 2024 Tram Road Challenge tee shirt. Participants will also receive a post-race breakfast snack. 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place awards will be given in each age category for male, female, and non-binary finishers during an awards ceremony near the finish line immediately following the race.

For more information or to register for the race, please visit http://www.TramRoadChallenge.com  or call (949) 444-2365.

Guided Nature Walks Conclude September 1

PALM SPRINGS, CA (August 26, 2024) The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will observe holiday hours for Labor Day Weekend Saturday, August 31 through Monday, September 2, 2024. On Saturday and Sunday, the first tram up is at 8:00 a.m., the last tram up is at 9:00 p.m., and the last tram down is at 10:30 p.m. On Monday, the first tram up is at 8:00 a.m., the last tram up is at 8:00 p.m., and the last tram down is at 9:30 p.m.

Guided Nature Walks by Mt. San Jacinto State Park Volunteers end Sunday, September 1. These walks, which are conducted Sundays during summer months, feature a choice of two easy trails–the Desert View Trail, a 1½-mile route beginning at 11:00 a.m. and the Long Valley Nature Trail, a ¾-mile loop beginning at 1:30 p.m. No advance registration is required and there is no charge. Walks begin at the bottom of the Mountain Station concrete trail.

September 9 Through October 6

PALM SPRINGS, CA (August 20, 2024) The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will close for annual maintenance beginning Monday, September 9, through Sunday, October 6 with a tentative reopening date of Monday, October 7 at 10:00 a.m. The last day to ride the Tram before the annual maintenance closure is Sunday, September 8.

“During this year’s shutdown, we will be performing a track rope repositioning, which ensures even wear of the cables,” says Vice President of Tramway Systems Chris Bartsch. “Additionally, we will be conducting annual state-permit testing, and our Switzerland-based technicians will be performing necessary annual service and upgrades.”

Tramway General Manager Nancy Nichols explains, “The Tramway’s annual maintenance closure allows our maintenance team to perform complex projects that cannot be completed during normal business hours. We appreciate the understanding of the community and look forward to welcoming them back in October.”

Complimentary Tram Admission in August for Qualifying First Responders

PALM SPRINGS, CA (July 15, 2024) For the entire month of August, all qualified first responders receive free admission to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway as part of “First Responders Days.” In addition, up to four of their guests receive 25% off their regular Tram fares.

According to Tramway General Manager Nancy Nichols, “The Tramway is greatly appreciative of the hard-work and dedication first responders put in every day. A day at the Tramway is our way of saying ‘thank you’ and wishing them—along with their family and friends—a relaxing and enjoyable experience.”

Qualifying personnel include (see full list):

• Fire and police personnel
• California Highway Patrol
• County Sheriff Officers
• Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)

This program runs August 1-31, 2024, with tickets available at the Tramway’s Valley Station on the day of visit.

Guided Nature Walks Continue Sundays

PALM SPRINGS, CA (June 24, 2024) The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will operate with extended hours on July 4 and 5 in observance of the Fourth of July holiday. On Thursday, July 4, the first tramcar up will be at 8:00 a.m., the last tramcar up will be at 8:00 p.m. and the last tramcar down will be at 9:30 p.m. On Friday, July 5, the first tramcar up will be at 8:00 a.m., the last tramcar up will be at 9:00 p.m. and the last tramcar down will be at 10:30 p.m.

Join the Mount San Jacinto State Park rangers on a guided nature walk along the 1 ½-mile Desert View Trail on Sunday, July 7 at 11:00 a.m. or the ¾-mile Long Valley Nature Trail loop at 1:30 p.m. (free with Tramway admission). Those interested should meet at the bottom of the cement walkway located just outside the Mountain Station after riding the Tram to the top.

Beat the heat and celebrate the Fourth of July Holiday Weekend in the cool mountain air at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway!

U.S. Armed Forces Receive Free Tram Admission Throughout July

PALM SPRINGS, CA (June 20, 2024). During the entire month of July, all U.S. military personnel with valid military identification—active, former, and retired—receive free admission to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, along with a special gift for “Military Days.” Spouses of deployed military members, as well as military widows and widowers, also qualify for the promotion. Military personnel are encouraged to bring friends and family and receive 25% off regular Tram admission for up to four guests.

While visiting the Tramway, guests can enjoy:

• Over 50 miles of hiking trails in the Mount San Jacinto State Park.
• Guided Nature Walks every Sunday at 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. through Labor Day Weekend.
• Dining along the skyline at Peaks Restaurant and Pines Café.
• Learning about the plants and animals in the State Park at the Natural History Museum located on the lower level of the Mountain Station.

The Tramway is pleased to continue this annual tradition of showing appreciation to former and current military personnel and their families.

PALM SPRINGS, CA (June 3, 2024) The Riverside County Board of Supervisors has announced the appointment of Jonathan Hoy to the Mount San Jacinto Winter Park Authority, governing body of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

Born and raised in the Coachella Valley, Hoy is a professional civil engineer with over 30 years of experience working in both the private and public sectors. He currently serves as the Director of Transportation for the Coachella Valley Association of Governments. As a former Assistant City Manager/City Engineer for the City of Coachella and Public Works Director/City Engineer for the City of Desert Hot Springs, Hoy has established strong partnerships with federal, state, county, municipal, and tribal councils. “I look forward to serving the Mount San Jacinto Winter Park Authority to my best ability.”

According to Tramway General Manager Nancy Nichols, “I am delighted with the appointment of Mr. Hoy to the Authority. His governmental background will add a valuable perspective to our board.”

The other Authority Members are Brian Conley, Sandra Magana-Cuellar and Jeff Ohlfs, appointed by the Governor; Bary Freet, appointed by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors; and Jerry Ogburn and Nancy Stuart, appointed by the Palm Springs City Council.

State Park Guided Nature Walks Resume Sundays Through Labor Day

PALM SPRINGS, CA (May 19, 2024) Memorial Day Weekend marks the beginning of the summer season at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Extended summer hours begin May 24 and end September 1.

Every Friday and Saturday, the last tram up will be at 9:00 p.m. and the last tram down will be at 10:30 p.m. In addition, Peaks Restaurant will extend the last seating to 8:30 p.m. and Pines Café will remain open until 9:30 p.m.

Also, holiday hours will be observed on Sunday, May 26 with the last tram up at 9:00 p.m. and the last tram down at 10:30 p.m. On Monday, May 27, the first tram up will be at 8:00 a.m., one hour earlier than usual.

Finally, Guided Nature Walks by State Park volunteers resume May 26 and continue Sundays through September 1. These walks feature a choice of two easy trails–the Desert View Trail, a 1½-mile walk beginning at 11:00 a.m. and the Long Valley Nature Trail, a ¾-mile loop beginning at 1:30 p.m. No advance registration is required and there is no charge except for regular Tramway admission.

“The Tramway’s summer schedule provides the opportunity for Palm Springs residents and visitors to spend more time outside in the cooler air during the hot summer months,” says Tramway General Manager Nancy Nichols. “And nighttime views from the tram cars and Mountain Station are truly spectacular. After dark is a magical experience while either dining or just enjoying the views across the Coachella Valley from 8,516 feet.”